User:Mr. Ibrahem/Diabetic foot ulcer

A diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. It typically begins as a callus under which blood collects. As the skin breaks down an ulcer forms. Complications can include osteomyelitis, gangrene, and amputations. Often it is associated with a diabetic foot infection.

The underlying mechanism often involves poor blood sugar control, nerve damage, peripheral vascular disease, and poor foot care. Those with flat feet are more commonly affected. It is a type of diabetic foot disease.

Treatment includes blood sugar control, removal of dead tissue, wound dressings, and removing pressure from the wound such as by total contact casting. Surgery in some cases may improve outcomes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also help but is expensive.

About 9 to 26 million people are affected globally per year. It occurs in 5% to 25% of people with diabetes at some point in time. They are most common in people over the age of 45. In the United States Latinx, Black, and Native American people are more commonly affected.